The Oldham County Board of Education has named its replacement for retiring Superintendent Paul Upchurch. Dr. William Wells is currently an assistant superintendent for Oldham County Schools. Wells has worked in the district since 1996 and was previously a math and science teacher and counselor in Jefferson County Public Schools. Oldham County is one of the highest performing districts in the state. Wells told WFPL he’ll try to continue that tradition by focusing on literacy and said this can be accomplished by having good teachers.
“If you’re going to be successful as a school district you really have to focus on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest teachers we can find. Then once we have them, build their capacity so that they can become excellent teachers. Our goal is for every teacher to be as good as our best," said Wells. Wells will likely make less than his predecessor Upchurch who currently makes around $187,000, said board member Larry Dodson. This will be Wells' first superintendent position. The board expects to discuss and vote on Wells' salary and benefits package at a board meeting later this month.
